ねんnen
1.

A unit of time that represents the duration it takes for the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun, typically measured as 365 days in a common year, with variations for leap years.

2.

The period from January 1 to December 31, marking the passage of time within a single cycle of the calendar.

3.

An age or stage in life, indicating how many years someone has lived, often associated with physical or emotional maturity.

4.

A specific instance of a calendar year, often used in reference to events occurring within that timeframe, such as cultural celebrations or milestones.

5.

A concept denoting the cyclical nature of time, symbolizing growth, change, and the continuity of existence across generations.

Example:

カレンダーの日付は1964年9月23日でした。

しょうねん少年shounen
1.

A male individual typically categorized by age, ranging from elementary school students to high school students, and in a broader sense could include females, especially in legal contexts where it refers to individuals under twenty years of age.

2.

An individual in the early stages of life, characterized by youthfulness and often associated with innocence and development, being in a transitional phase before adulthood.

3.

A term that encompasses the concept of young males who are still growing and maturing, often reflecting their emotional and social characteristics distinct from older adolescents and adults.

4.

In legal and educational contexts, it denotes a young male who may require special protection or rehabilitation, often involved in juvenile justice systems aimed at correction and guidance.

Example:

少年は木に自分の名前を刻んだ。

ことし今年kotoshiこんねん今年konnen
1.

The current year in which the speaker is situated, referring to the time period that is presently unfolding.

2.

The year that is ongoing, distinguished from past years and future expectations, emphasizing the present moment in time.

3.

A term used to denote the current calendar year, often in contrast to previously elapsed years or upcoming ones.

Example:

今年の暑い夏には耐えられません。

きょねん去年kyonenこぞ去年kozo
1.

The year preceding the current one, often characterized by reflecting on past events during the transition to a new year.

2.

A term frequently used in formal or literary contexts to denote the previous year, especially when recalling memories or experiences from that time.

3.

A historical reference to the year that directly comes before the current year, commonly used to denote significant occasions that occurred during that time.

Example:

ビルは去年の秋に私に会いに来た。

せいねん青年seinen
1.

A category of individuals characterized by their age, typically referring to those in their late teens to early thirties, who are often experiencing a phase of personal growth and development.

2.

Young individuals, particularly those in their teenage years through their mid-twenties, who may represent a generation seeking identity and voice in society.

3.

A literary term referring to a protagonist or central figure, often depicted as an aspiring writer, navigating the challenges of youth and ambition in a specific narrative context.

4.

Represents a stage in life associated with potential and exploration, marked by a transition from adolescence to adulthood, encompassing both physical and emotional development.

Example:

あの長髪の青年は粗野だ。